MDAH will soon be accepting applications for the 2025 Religion in Mississippi History Research Fellowship. This fellowship awards a $5,000 stipend to one student in a graduate or doctoral program at an accredited college or university to conduct research using the wealth of archival materials concerning religious history at MDAH for two weeks during the summer. This fellowship is made possible by a grant through Lilly Endowment’s Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative.
- What is the Religion in Mississippi History Research Fellowship?
The $5,000 fellowship will be awarded to a graduate student for research within the department’s many archival collections concerning religious history in Mississippi. The fellowship seeks to nurture scholars at the beginning of their academic careers in order to increase their life-long interest in history and to promote continued academic and public appreciation of the study of religious history in Mississippi.
- Who is eligible?
The fellowship recipient must be enrolled in a graduate or doctoral program at an accredited college or university.
- What does the fellowship include?
The fellow is expected to be in residence for a minimum of two weeks—from May to September 2025—to conduct research in the archival collections housed at the William F. Winter Archives & History Building in Jackson, MS. A stipend of $5,000 will be awarded to defray those costs.
At the conclusion of the two-week stay, the fellow will be asked to give a presentation and submit a summary report on the fellow’s research findings.
- What can the $5,000 stipend be used for?
- Travel
- Accommodations
- Other expenses during the recipient’s time researching at the archives.
- What costs are ineligible?
- Computer equipment (hardware or software)
- Childcare
- Photo framing/matting
- How will the stipend be disbursed?
The stipend will be paid in increments, with the final payment given upon submission of the summary report.
- How do I apply?
Complete the fellowship application form available here and submit the following documents:
- Proposal (no more than five pages, typed, double-spaced, details on the application form)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Supporting materials may be submitted but are not required
- When is the deadline?
MDAH will soon be accepting applications for the 2025 Religion in Mississippi History Research Fellowship.
- How do I use MDAH’s catalog to search for Mississippi religious history collections?
Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Mississippi religious history collections at MDAH by visiting the catalog.
- When will the fellowship recipient be notified?
MDAH will soon be accepting applications for the 2025 Religion in Mississippi History Research Fellowship.
- Will MDAH and/or organizations use the research findings?
Lilly Endowment and MDAH may use the research produced during the fellowship.
- Who do I contact for more information?
For additional information and questions about the Religion in Mississippi History Research Fellowship, email Laura Heller at lheller@mdah.ms.gov.